--- title: The Forgotten Truth description: With a $3 can of compressed air, you can potentially save thousands in sequencer repair. image: https://blog.seqgen.com/hubfs/3730_filter1.png --- - [MARKETPLACE](https://seqgen.com/marketplace/) - [CAREERS](https://seqgen.com/careers/) - [TERMS & CONDITIONS](https://seqgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/POL_011-Rev.A_Terms-and-Conditions-of-Sales-for-Products-and-Services.pdf) - [ISO 9001 CERTIFICATE](https://seqgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SeqGen-Final-Cert_2026-2029.pdf) - [SALES INQUIRY](https://seqgen.com/sales-inquiry/) - [SERVICE REQUEST](http://seqgen.com/service-request/) - [TESTIMONIALS](https://seqgen.com/testimonials/) [![SeqGen](https://seqgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/seqgen_logo.png)](https://seqgen.com/) - [SeqMo Rewards](https://seqgen.com/seqmo-rewards/) - [HOME](https://seqgen.com/) - [ABOUT US](https://seqgen.com/about-us/) - [Our History](https://seqgen.com/about-us/our-history-2/) - [Our Engineers](https://seqgen.com/about-us/our-engineers/) - 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[ISO 9001 CERTIFICATE](https://seqgen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SeqGen-Final-Cert_2026-2029.pdf) # The Forgotten Truth 04 May 2017 [DNA Analyzer](https://blog.seqgen.com/topic/dna-analyzer) [0](https://blog.seqgen.com/the-forgotten-truth#comments-listing) The famous line “If I only knew then what I know now” can mean a measure of savings down the road when it comes to your instruments.  In our busy lives there is a simple but forgotten cost-saving step, if you’re willing to do some regular maintenance. It may even end up saving you thousands in laser replacement costs or machine down time. Your machine is manufactured with many interdependent parts that allow it to function properly. The laser is one of the sequencer’s most critical parts enabling you to complete runs, and the air filter could be the key to extending the life of the laser.  The ABI 3130 and 3730 models have an air filter that helps remove contaminants before they reach the laser.  Between the routine laser maintenance and realignments performed, you can do one simple thing to help your machine: clean the air filter regularly. All you need is a $3 can of air from your local hardware store and the ability to follow these three simple steps. ## Step 1: Locate your sequencer’s air filter compartment and open the access panel.  ![3130_filter1.png](https://blog.seqgen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3130_filter1.png?width=404&height=303&name=3130_filter1.png)  3130/xl ## ![3730_filter1.png](https://blog.seqgen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3730_filter1.png?width=403&height=302&name=3730_filter1.png) 3730/xl   ## Step 2: Remove the filter from the compartment. ![3130_filter2.png](https://blog.seqgen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3130_filter2.png?width=404&height=303&name=3130_filter2.png) 3130/xl ![3730_filter2.png](https://blog.seqgen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3730_filter2.png?width=404&name=3730_filter2.png "3730_filter2.png")  3730/xl ## Step 3: Give it a nice spray down with the canned air and return it to the filter compartment. ![air_can_filter.png](https://blog.seqgen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/air_can_filter.png?width=416&height=554&name=air_can_filter.png) Under normal daily sequencer use, you’ll only need to do this once every six months. If your lab processes higher volumes or is particularly dusty, you will want to check the filter more often. While this do-it-yourself maintenance is quick, easy, and inexpensive, it is no substitute for a regular, in-depth maintenance schedule performed by a qualified technician that will ensure your sequencer stays in top working condition. We are only a phone call away if you have questions about these simple steps or any other service need for your sequencer. ### Written by [Daryle Baine](https://blog.seqgen.com/author/daryle-baine) Search this site on Google Search Google ### Subscribe to Email Updates ## [![New Call-to-action](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/1939955/32eb2ce8-8e54-4e61-ad50-57f6b9b23d18.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/1939955/32eb2ce8-8e54-4e61-ad50-57f6b9b23d18)  ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [DNA Analyzer (49)](https://blog.seqgen.com/topic/dna-analyzer) - [Others (42)](https://blog.seqgen.com/topic/others) - [Crossword Puzzle (11)](https://blog.seqgen.com/topic/crossword-puzzle) - [3730 Series Genetic Analyzer (10)](https://blog.seqgen.com/topic/3730-series-genetic-analyzer) - [Tecan Freedom Evo (9)](https://blog.seqgen.com/topic/tecan-freedom-evo) - [AI 101 (6)](https://blog.seqgen.com/topic/ai-101) - [Archive (6)](https://blog.seqgen.com/topic/archive) - 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